Sue Hawkins is a researcher at Kingston University, UK.

Nursing history has principally concentrated on leaders, the development of the profession and politics around registration. This is one of the first attempts to understand the true nature of Victorian nursing at ground level. It will interest those researching nursing history, the social and cultural history and women's studies.

Introduction. Constructing a New History of Nursing 1. 'The search for self-esteem' 2. 'The majority are ladies, a great many domestics' 3. Probationer Schemes: education or cheap labour? 4. 'Treat Your Good Nurses Well': a recipe for nurse retention 5. The Development of Nursing as a Career 6. A Quest for Independence